Film critic Vincent Canby of the New York Times wrote in 1982 that Griffin O'Neal "shares with his sister a natural screen presence."[4] Likewise, film critic Leonard Maltin wrote that Griffin O'Neal has a "pleasing screen presence".[5]

In 1986, Griffin O'Neal had a boating accident in Annapolis, Maryland that took the life of film producer Gian-Carlo Coppola.[6] O'Neal, who was piloting the boat, tried to pass between two other boats, unaware that they were connected by a towline. O'Neal barely had time to duck, but Coppola was struck by the towline and killed.[7] Prior to the accident, O'Neal was being directed by Francis Ford Coppola (Gian-Carlo's father) in the film Gardens of Stone, and afterward O'Neal asked to be replaced in the film.[8] He was convicted of negligently operating a boat, and received an 18-day jail sentence for not completing community service.[9][10]

In August 2011, while driving, O'Neal collided with another car. He was sentenced to 16 months in prison for driving under the influence of drugs in connection with that incident.[11]